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Vancouver Airport's Turning 80!

Written by Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail .

The Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is celebrating 80 years of operations this summer! Come find out more about the festivities July 22-23 and see photos of the terminal and aircraft from the past and present.

80 Years: Come Celebrate!

From a single runway and small, wood frame building to a world-class airport that last year served 16.8 million passengers and employed 23,600 people, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has come a long way over the past 80 years.

In recognition of our 80th anniversary on July 22, 2011, Vancouver Airport Authority is inviting our community to come celebrate at their airport with a free open house on Friday, July 22 and Saturday, July 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

Vancouver Terminal Building, 1931

YVR Terminal today!

Family-friendly highlights will include:

80 Memorable Moments Photo Gallery

On Level 3 of the Main Terminal, explore a photographic history of YVR’s 80years. The gallery will run from the Domestic Terminal food court to the International Terminal’s Spirit of HaidaGwaii, The Jade Canoe sculpture.

WHEN: Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. WHERE: Main Terminal Building and South Terminal Building (a courtesy bus will shuttle visitors between the Main and South Terminals)

In-Terminal Entertainment

The Main Terminal will be buzzing, thanks to family-style entertainment provided by live DJs, magicians, face-painters, balloon twisters and YVR's own Green Coat volunteers distributing 80th Anniversary giveaways. YVR's shops and restaurants will be getting into the spirit, offering lunch specials and product sampling.WHEN: Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (specific times vary, based on entertainment) WHERE: Main Terminal Building (Domestic and International Terminals)

Airside Ballet

In a display of coordination, timing and sheer equipment size, YVR’s unique airfield firefighting emergency trucks will showcase a ballet like you’ve never seen before.

At YVR's South Terminal – the original location of the airport when it opened in 1931 – visitors will find an impressive collection of vintage aircraft parked on the south side apron. The South Terminal parking lot will offer the best views of these vintage beauties. Check back soon at www.yvr.ca for details on the vintage aircraft flypast.

WHEN: Friday and Saturday, timing TBD (check back soon) WHERE: South Terminal Building (a courtesy bus will shuttle visitors to and from the Main Terminal)

Cessna Cardinal

80th Anniversary Grand Prize

Once you've arrived at YVR, be sure to pick up an 80th anniversary commemorative brochure from one of our Customer Care counters or Green Coat volunteers for more details and a ballot to enter to win an 80th anniversary Grand Prize: a two-night stay in a Deluxe room at the Fairmont Vancouver Airport and $200 YVR bucks to spend at any YVR retailer. Ballots must be deposited at the South Terminal Building (a courtesy bus will shuttle visitors to and from the Main Terminal). Contest closes at 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 23.

Fairchild 24K

Parking Discount

We encourage all visitors to hop on the Canada Line to the airport. If you choose to drive, $5 flat-rate parking coupons (for a four-hour maximum visit at any of our self-park lots) will be available at our Customer Care counters throughout the Main Terminal Building, while supplies last.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., a complementary YVR bus will be available to shuttle visitors between the Main and South Terminals. Shuttles will arrive and depart from each site every 15 minutes.